Entertainment of Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Source: mynigeria.com

Bobrisky appeals sentence, offers to pay fine for each charge

Popular Nigerian socialite cum female transgender, Bobrisky Popular Nigerian socialite cum female transgender, Bobrisky

Bobrisky‘s lawyer has appealed to the court to replace the crossdresser’s verdict with a penalty of a ₦50,000 fine for each charge.

The controversial figure, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky lodged a notice of appeal on Monday, challenging the six-month maximum sentence issued by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

This comes after he faced charges of 'four counts of naira abuse' after he was arrested by the EFCC.

It can be recalled that Bobrisky pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Afterward, he was sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine.

The judge, while pronouncing his ruling, emphasized that it was meant to serve as a deterrent to citizens who are fond of defacing the Naira by spraying it at events.

Nonetheless, Okuneye’s attorney, Bimbo Kusanu, has lodged a notice of appeal, urging the Court to nullify the maximum sentence.

Kusanu requests the court to replace the sentence with an option of a ₦50,000 fine for each charge.

In the appeal notification, the attorney argues that the trial court imposed the harshest sentence on Bobrisky, who had no prior criminal convictions.

Kusanu points out that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), there is alternatives for a lesser sentence.

He contends that the sentence against Okuneye by the trial court was overly punitive and contrary to the mandatory provisions of the ACJA.

Bobrisky's counsel asserts that the trial court overlooked Okuneye’s positive background and swift cooperation during legal proceedings, such as promptly pleading guilty to the charge and responding promptly to the EFCC‘s summons.

Kusanu argues that the trial court did not exercise its judicial discretion appropriately while sentencing Okuneye, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against the appellant.